Sunday, March 31, 2013

What's in the Bible Easter Story

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Friday, March 29, 2013

Too much

Me when my alarm goes off at 6am.
Between teaching full time for the first time ever, going to grad school full time, taking care of CJ, moving, planning a bachelorette party/ bridal shower, life has just gotten too hectic for me. Something has to suffer, and I'm afraid it is going to be this blog. I apologize, but it's just the truth.

I will continue to post, but it will be sporadic and random at best. I would love some guest posts if any of you are interested, just to keep things fresh. Hopefully I will be able to get into a routine and be able to get on here once in a while. Don't worry sponsors, your posts will be scheduled as promised.

I know Big Ang, I know!

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Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Wordless Wednesday - Easter Eggs!

Not sure what this face was for.

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Saturday, March 23, 2013

Things I Found (11)

Politicians Reactions to Gay Children - Some good, some not so good.
Resources for Raising Girls Today
Easter Science for Kids - Using eggs, peeps, etc.
Lessons in Confidence from a 2 Year Old


How to Save Money when Dining Out
The Steubenville Rape & Other Problems


Hubby knows. 
 



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Friday, March 22, 2013

Religious Easter Books for Toddlers

Looking for the perfect Easter book for your toddler's Easter basket? I got you covered. Today I'll have my favorite religious Christ-centered Easter books, then on Monday I'll have my favorite non-religious Easter books. I'll put a star next to CJ's favorites. The prices are from Amazon.

Religious
An Easter Gift for Me ($6.29) - This is a softly illustrated board book that very simply tells how Jesus was born for us, then died for us. Not scary or overwhelming for little ones.
What Is Easter? ($4.98) - Gently explains that Easter isn't about the bunny or the eggs, it is about Jesus. It is part of a whole series of "What is..." books.
The Easter Story ($4.99) - A board book that includes Jesus arriving in Jerusalem, the Last Supper, and the Resurrection.
The Story of Easter ($6.29) - This one is in CJ's Easter basket. It's a very simple board book with a carrying case for your little one. Another one that gently tells the story of Jesus and his resurrection.
An Easter Prayer ($8.99) - A board book telling how God is responsible for all the wonders of Spring.
God Gave Us Easter ($6.50) - Pape Bear explains to his little Cub how much God loved people that he sent his son to save us. Gorgeous pictures of the Arctic.
The Parable of the Lily ($7.19) - I love this one, so cute! Maggie throws a bulb she doesn't care about in the garden, forgetting about it. She is shocked when a lily appears on Easter morning. Through the lily she learns about the meaning of Easter.
The Story of the Easter Robin ($10.87) - Through the eggs on her windowsill, a little girl learns about God's love of all creatures.
Easter In The Garden ($11.95) - This one gets me right in the feels. A little boy is sad because his family's friend Jesus dies, then when he hears that Jesus is alive, he is overjoyed.
The Legend of the Sand Dollar ($6.29) - Kerry learns how the sand dollar can help teach about Easter.
The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story - The cubs are obsessed with candy, so Mama Bear helps them learn the story of Jesus and his Resurrection. Pin It

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Ten Books I Just Had to Buy, But Haven't Read

Linking up with http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/
Do you ever buy a book because you just absolutely had to have it, only to have it sit on the shelf for months, maybe even years? Good, I'm glad I'm not the only one. Here's ten books I had to buy the second they came out... but haven't gotten to yet.
  1. Jane Austen Made Me Do It - Lauren Willig, author of the Pink Carnation series, wrote one of the Austen-inspired stories in this book. Since I love her and the Pink Carnation series, I had to have it. I read her story and maybe two or three others, but it just hasn't grabbed my attention. I might put it up on paperbackswap. (Unless one of you would like it, I'd be happy to mail it off to you.)
  2. The Monsters of Templeton - This one appealed to me because I love the cover (Yes, I totally judge books by their covers) and because the story sounded intriguing. I read the first couple of pages but it just didn't grab me at that time. I'm sure eventually it will. 
  3. Einstein : His Life and Universe - I think Einstein was an awesome guy, and since his bio got great reviews, I had to have it. I've read bits and pieces. It is just too big to read all at once. So every once in a while, I pull it off the shelf and give it a go. 
  4. The Pillars of the Earth - I know that I will love this book once I get started. It has absolutely everything I love in a book, and I know Ken Follett is an amazing author. I think I'm just intimidated by its size. I know that it is going to take a long time to read, so I'm just not ready for that commitment right now. 
  5. Pirate Latitudes - Michael Crichton was my favorite living author after Stephen King. So when they published the last book he'd written before his death, I got it right away. I still haven't gotten around to read it though. Hubby read it and liked it though. 
  6. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks - I knew a little bit about Henrietta Lacks, and I found her story intriguing, so I got the book. Still haven't read it though. 
  7. The True Story of Hansel and Gretel - I'm pretty sure I'm giving up on this book. I've gotten it two different times and then given it away because I haven't sat down to read it. It's time to let it go. 
  8. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate - I love the cover of this book and I know I will like it, just haven't given it a chance yet. 
  9. A Death in Belmont - I have a weird connection to the Boston Strangler (not like an emotional connection or anything weird, he just killed a woman on the day I was born who lived in a house I eventually lived in). This book is partly about that woman and is written by one of my favorite authors Sebastian Junger, so I had to buy it. I'm just not emotionally ready for a psycho killer book though. 
  10. American Wife - This one appealed to me because it is supposed to be loosely based on George W Bush's wife's life. It sounded interesting and had a pretty cover. I just haven't read it yet. Someday. 
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Monday, March 18, 2013

How to Blow Your Toddler's Mind - Elmo's Super Heroes Live!

One of my favorite things about being a mom is watching CJ's face light up with happiness. I love the moments where he sees something, hears something, or notices something for the first time. His little mind just gets blown away. He makes the greatest faces.

Last month we took CJ to a super special surprise. He had no idea where we were going. He probably just assumed we were going to Nana's house. We drove over to the Lowell Auditorium in Lowell MA. We managed to keep CJ from noticing the giant tour bus that would give away our secret. When we entered, there were balloons and toys and lots of souvenirs starring all of his favorite characters. We got him to his seat and then Dada went to go get him a surprise - a stuffed Bert and Ernie. CJ was content to watch all of the kids around him and snuggle with his new toys.

Then... his mind was BLOWN! He heard Big Bird's voice! He jumped on his chair and was looking around saying "ig ird! ig ird!!" Then the curtain came up and Ernie was there - "Nie! Nie!!"

Suffice it to say that Sesame Street Live was a hit with CJ. He could not sit down. He literally stood on his chair the entire time. (Don't worry, he is short and there was no one behind him.) He was yelling at the actors on stage "More, more!" When they would come out into the audience, it took all of our strength to  keep him from dive-bombing people to get to them.

He did get to see Ernie up close and personal though. He showed him his Ernie doll and Ernie put his hand on his head and said "That's me!" I'm not going to lie, I cried. Seeing CJ that happy got me all choked up. I'm getting verklempt just thinking about it. CJ still keeps talking about this moment. I'm pretty sure it is the best thing that ever happened in his life. If you ask him about it he will go on for hours "Nie touch my head. Nee says dat me!" It is the cutest and sweetest thing ever. I think the funniest part was that CJ kept yelling to the stage "Yes please!" I don't know if he meant more or thanks or what, but it was hysterical.

The show itself was actually really fun. It is all about healthy eating and healthy living. Poor Super Grover has lost his super-ness because he isn't taking care of himself. All of the characters teach him about eating properly, getting enough rest, etc. The show was entertaining to me as an adult, so obviously the kiddies loved it. So if Sesame Street Live is coming to your town, CJ and I definitely recommend that you go. They will love you forever. As you can see from the picture, I am officially the mom of the year.

His facial expressions kill me. He was sooooo excited! 





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Saturday, March 16, 2013

Things I Found (10)

Me finding out I am going to be teaching a
class full of 6 year olds. 
So.... I got a full-time teaching job. Pending my background investigation/drug test/transcripts being received, by the end of this month I will have my own 1st grade class. Say whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat!? The current teacher is about to have twins. Most of the curriculum and lessons should be done, I just have to step in and give them. Oh and control a classroom full of 6-7 year olds. Yeesh. I am so scared. I fully imagined that next year I would be working in 4th, 5th, or 6th grade class. I definitely did not think that by the end of the month I'd be in the 1st grade full time. So as quiet as the blog has been for the last few months, it might get a little quieter.

Oh, btw GFC is Google Reader are going away on July 1st, so make sure you follow the blog some other way. There is a ton of options to the right. :)

Nursery Color Inspiration - No I'm not pregnant (yet) but these African-inspired nurseries are gorgeous!
10 Ways to Play this Weekend - Great Easter/St.Patrick's Day/ Spring is coming roundup
Best Toys for Energetic Toddlers - Isn't energetic just their natural state?
Silent Children are up to No Good - And other truths about motherhood.

Education in Finland - Fact or Fiction - Really interesting information. They don't have it perfect, but it is much better than here.
Put Down Your Snow Shovels And... - This is super cute.
What Happens When You Like Books More Than Anything Else in the World - Accurate.
Marilyn Monroe's Personal Library - She had good taste.
Source: 9gag.com viaMichelle on Pinterest


Luck of the Irish Outfit - I love all of her outfits, but I think this is one of my faves. 
My Latest Pins - Good stuff.


Basically.



I've been starting to get CJ into Disney movies.
He calls Genie "blue guy" and refuses to say Genie.




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Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Wordless Wednesday - Silly Faces





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Sunday, March 10, 2013

School of Thrones

If you are a Game of Thrones/ Song of Fire and Ice fan, you need to see this. I can't wait for episode two.
I don't know for sure, but I think the evil John Green has something to do with this.

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Things I Found (9)

Toddler Cured of HIV - Absolutely amazing. 




Avoiding the Poverty Mentality - Great post for all of us poor folk.
Hanging Herb Garden - Love it!



Si is my new hero.




I laughed my butt off during this scene.

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